Contractor SAP Security Officer (CSSO)

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
This is an on-site position for a Contractor SAP Security Officer (CSSO) who will ensure compliance with Special Access Programs (SAP). The CSSO serves as the principal point of contact with Aerospace Special Access Program Management and government agencies/customers on all program security matters and requirements. This role is responsible for delivering security support to ensure proper safeguarding of SAP classified information and providing on-site assistance for all SAP security activities in accordance with corporate and government policies and directives.
In this role, you will be a trusted advisor and hands-on subject matter expert, working closely with program leadership, government security counterparts, and internal stakeholders to build and maintain a highly secure environment that enables critical national security missions. You will help shape security processes, drive continuous improvement, and mentor personnel on SAP security best practices.
This position is 100% onsite in Crystal City, VA.
What You’ll Be Doing
Collaborate with the PSO and GPM/CPM to establish a secure environment for SAP operations, ensuring mission success while enabling efficient program execution
Oversee security operations within assigned activities, organizations, or offices, serving as the day-to-day security focal point for program personnel
Partner with the ISSM/ISSO to protect Information Systems in the SAPCA and ensure compliance with applicable laws, SCI, and SAP security policies and requirements
Support enterprise-level SAP discussions and activities to meet corporate and program requirements; provide assistance to other office locations as needed, including occasional travel as required
Develop and deliver training for SAP-accessed personnel, tailoring content to different audiences and reinforcing a strong security culture
Coordinate initial access eligibility determinations and prepare PARs or SCI nominations in accordance with customer and government guidelines
Maintain personnel security records for SAP and SCI programs using DISS, JADE, and other customer systems of record, ensuring accuracy and audit readiness
Conduct pre- and post-travel briefings; oversee foreign travel and contact reporting, and ensure timely and accurate documentation
Manage the visitor control process for SAP meetings, including verification of clearances and need-to-know, and coordination with host offices
Deliver initial program indoctrination briefings and security education/refresher training; maintain records of attendance and compliance
Perform annual self-inspections and submit corrective action plans; track findings through closure and drive process improvements
Develop, update, and maintain facility-specific SOPs for security policies and SAP, ensuring alignment with corporate and government directives
Supervise transmission of SAP material using approved methods and procedures to prevent unauthorized disclosure
Provide courier instructions and training to SAP-briefed couriers and ensure proper documentation for classified movement
Create transportation plans and reproduction procedures that comply with DoD and customer requirements
Establish and ensure compliance with the Security Education, Training, and Awareness (SETA) program, including recurring briefings and targeted training
Conduct briefings on reporting requirements and security incidents; reinforce expectations for timely reporting and accountability
Maintain administrative security documentation, including co-use/joint-use agreements and other program-specific security artifacts
Support customer development of Program Protection Plans and other program security documentation as required
Prepare DD Form 254 and manage SAP material inventory and disposition, ensuring accurate tracking and compliant destruction/transfer
Coordinate physical security construction needs/facility modifications with direct supervisor and facilities personnel to meet ICD 705 and SAP requirements
Collaborate with enterprise colleagues to balance multiple customer workloads and ensure coverage across programs and locations
Conduct security inquiries, identify suspected infractions and violations, develop reports, and recommend corrective actions to the government security team
Develop, coordinate, obtain approval for, and implement entry/exit inspection procedures for SAP areas
Execute and document annual physical inventory of Top-Secret material under facility registry control, reconciling discrepancies as needed
Apply DoD and IC policies with working knowledge of DoDM 5205.07 (DoD SAP Security Manual, dated 17 January 2025), ICD 705, ICD 704, and/or NISPOM and applicable sponsor procedures
Obtain rulings, interpretations, and acceptable deviations for regulatory compliance from government agencies, and communicate requirements to program stakeholders
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Security Specialist III – CSSO:
High School Diploma or equivalent experience in a related field
5 to 7 years of experience in SAP security operations or closely related classified security roles (e.g., SCI, collateral, or industrial security)
Familiarity with DoDM 5205.07 and related security directives, with the ability to interpret and apply policy in an operational environment
Demonstrated Contractor SAP Security Officer experience, or equivalent experience performing SAP security functions (e.g., managing access, visitor control, training, and self-inspections)
Current TS/SCI with the ability to obtain and maintain SAP access
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior leaders and interact professionally with government customers
In addition to the requirements above, the minimum requirements for Security Specialist IV – CSSO are:
Minimum of 10 years of relevant CSSO experience with a High School Diploma, or
8 years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Security Management, Criminal Justice, or Information Security) or equivalent experience
Demonstrated experience in SAP security, including managing complex security operations for multi-site or multi-customer programs
SAP experience with DoDM 5205.07 and related security directives, with a proven track record of successfully supporting audits, inspections, and program reviews
Experience leading or mentoring junior security staff and influencing stakeholders to adopt security best practices
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you had one or more of these:
Master’s degree in a related field
Industrial Security Professional (ISP) certification, Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC), or equivalent professional security certification preferred
TS/SCI with adjudicated polygraph
Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team
Working knowledge of the Joint Special Access Program (SAP) Implementation Guide (JSIG), Intelligence Community Directives (ICD's) and 32 CFR Part 117 National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) Rule
Proficiency in security management systems, such as JADE, DISS, and SIMS, and comfort learning new customer or enterprise security tools
Experience supporting inspections by DCSA, SAPCO, or other government oversight entities
Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver engaging security training and awareness materials
We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$48.40 - $89.00
Pay Basis: Hourly
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
Operate Strategically

Skills
SAP, TypeScript, Regulatory Compliance, Documentation

Experience
10+ yrs